Noticing signs of drug addiction in a close friend or relative can be upsetting. If someone you know is showing signs of physical dependence on drugs, now is the time to get them the help that they need.
Approaching someone about their suspected drug addiction can be challenging, but it’s important to let them know that you’re there for them. With the right approach and resources, you could help your loved one kickstart their journey to a healthier and happier future.
However, not everyone knows what to do when they recognise addiction in someone. To find out how to get the right help for a drug addict, continue reading.
Recognising the Signs of Drug Addiction
Before assuming someone you know has a substance use disorder, it’s important to understand what addiction is and the main signs to look out for. Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.
The signs of drug abuse vary from person to person. Each drug causes different effects, so it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what drug you think someone is addicted to sometimes.
Whether you suspect your loved one is addicted to prescription drugs or cocaine, it’s vital to get them the help that they need. In most cases, people will display a behaviour change. Frequent mood swings, secretive behaviour, and isolating themselves could be common signs of drug addiction.
Addicts often show a range of psychological symptoms, too; from anxiety to full-blown depression, if someone you know is acting strange and suffering from mental health, it could be that they’re dealing with an addiction behind closed doors.
Other signs of drug addiction include physical symptoms. Weight loss or gain, poor hygiene, frequent illness, and dilated pupils could indicate that an addiction is prevalent.
Approaching the Situation
Approaching a loved one about their drug addiction requires sensitivity, empathy, and understanding. Not everyone will know how to approach someone with an addiction, but it’s important to understand how to promote an honest and open conversation.
It’s crucial to find the right time and place to initiate the conversation; there’s more chance of someone opening up to you in a safe and private environment. Be sure to express your concern in a kind and friendly manner, remaining non-judgmental throughout the conversation. It’s important not to blame or shame your loved one. Just show your love and support while offering to help them seek treatment.
Encouraging Rehab
Once you’ve approached your close friend or relative about their addiction, it’s a good idea to encourage rehab. Considering rehab is difficult for a drug addict, and most people who abuse drugs are in denial about their habits; this can make the situation hard to approach.
This delicate topic of conversation requires patience and perseverance. Offer to research treatment options together, including residential rehab, outpatient programmes, therapy, and support groups. Perhaps you could do some research beforehand and find out some more information about each type of rehab option.
This way, you can provide your loved one with as much information as possible and ensure them that rehab is safe and will hopefully help them overcome addiction for good. Some drug addicts point blank refuse rehab due to the fear of being judged.
This is why it’s so important to remain non-judgmental and supportive throughout. While highlighting the benefits of seeking help, be prepared for resistance. The process of encouraging your loved one to complete addiction treatment can be both lengthy and time-consuming, so remember to be patient.
Find a Suitable Addiction Treatment
Finding suitable addiction treatment can be difficult in some cases, especially if this is your first time helping someone seek help. Drug rehab is the best option for addicts. Rehab is a safe and welcoming environment that provides efficient addiction treatment options to individuals struggling with drug abuse.
Your close friend or family member can expect 24-hour care, with opportunities to attend support groups and therapy sessions. Typically, drug addicts will attend rehab to complete a medical detoxification.
The drug detox process can be tedious to deal with, and some people simply can’t cope with the withdrawal symptoms alone. This is why it’s advised to undergo detox under medical supervision. Drug withdrawal symptoms vary depending on how severe your loved one’s addiction is.
Regardless of the severity of their withdrawal symptoms, the process is often difficult to get through, which is why you’ll need to remain by their side throughout.
Offering your love and kindness could really help your friend or relative get through this tricky time in their lives. With your loved one aware of your encouragement, they’ll have the support they need for a successful detox.
If you don’t know where to start, you’ll be glad to know that we can help. Here at Verve Healthcare, we offer expert referral services for those seeking addiction treatment. We consist of a team of professionals who are ready and waiting to assist you in finding the best-suited rehabilitation centre for either you or your loved one to attend.
What Should a Drug Addict Expect During Rehab?
When your loved one begins rehab, they’ll likely undergo a detox from drugs. This process involves eliminating any harmful substances from their body. Although the detox process is necessary for drug addicts, it can cause some challenging withdrawal symptoms.
Severe withdrawal is expected when harsher drugs have been taken over a long period; for example, stimulant withdrawal might be more challenging than cannabis withdrawal. A medically assisted detox is both safer and more efficient than withdrawing from drugs independently.
Medical professionals can help ease withdrawal symptoms by offering medication, something your friend or relative won’t have access to if they withdraw from drugs alone.
It’s likely that at some point during rehab, they will experience strong drug cravings, but these feelings can be managed with the help of professionals. In addition to undergoing detox, it’s common for those in rehab to attend therapy sessions and support groups.
Therapy and support groups play essential roles in the recovery journey of individuals struggling with addiction, allowing addicts to open up about their issues and what might have caused them. So, whether you require a drug or alcohol detox, rehab is the place to go.
You can get in touch with us at Verve Healthcare today to find out more about our referral service. We look forward to hearing from you.